More winter activities

 They had fun creating some of the Christmas activities they had been given, like these masks (Thanks Mary Ann and Nanny!)

 There was a fair amount of tablet playing
(Very quiet now thanks to the headphones from PawPaw and Missy!)

 They played tag/chase/tug of war with Tatum and loved on/entertained the cats. 

 They enjoyed hot chocolate and other yummy goodies in the cute snowman mugs 

(thanks Bryan and Sheri!)

 We played a lot of games  - we love this Suspend game by Melissa and Doug

 And did lots of other stuff......?

 We made some outings to the park (hill rolling at Yellow Park) and other fun places. 

And I even had some time to crochet (with help from a cat or two), and other things that I enjoy!

Winter activities

 A couple of the mornings of Christmas break had one to many time outs

So we had to figure out something better to do!

 H played with dirt

 I set C to cutting the grass (with scissors!) 

And then we headed to the elementary school down the street with our bikes.  

 We were there for over an hour and a half, and H rode his bike the entire time!!!  

He could go fast and not have to look out for cars or other things, and he loved making all sorts of obstacle courses for himself - riding between poles, across paths, and off of curbs. 

C tired quickly and started telling me all sorts of stories, and about all sorts of things.

 They had so much fun that we repeated this activity several times during Christmas break.  

Each time the boys did some riding, and some exploring.

Ready for Santa!

Gingerbread cookies made and decorated, 

 Reindeer food sprinkled on the lawn, 

 The last ornament hung on the Advent Calendar,

 Cookies, egg nog, and a note set out for Santa (carrots for the reindeer), 

 And "go to sleep quick!"

Santa (and Mama, and family, and friends) did not disappoint!  

 Toys, books, activity sets, Legos, gum, and more!

 Tatum (and the cats) even got a present!

Ready for Christmas at Nanny's with some more family.  

It was a great day (even if I threatened to give their toys away!)!

More festivities

I got to sneak in to C's class Christmas party for a few minutes.  They were all so happy with their fun snacks!  It has just been so much wild and fun Christmas events and activities lately!

 Christmas ornaments made for each of the boys teachers.  

 Tatum is totally (not) feeling the Christmas spirit...

The whole school went to the ballet for a field trip.  I was able to ride the bus down with H's class, sit with both boys for the performance and then go to lunch and ride back with C's class.  It was a long day for everyone, but so much fun!

 On the bus

 Waiting for "Christmas in Neverland" to start 

 Heading to lunch

H's Christmas elf.

He wrote what he can be a helpful elf by helping put up the Christmas tree.

Christmas break

Baseball practice, and lots of time for outdoor activities and exercise! 

 Sunday Smiles from handsome boys. 

 Over a few days, the boys started writing "I love you" notes to each other. 

So sweet that they both did it of their own accord and, I'm not sure exactly what C's said, but he sure wrote some things!

 C told me one day that "someone picks me up and turns me around while I'm sleeping."

I assured him that he was the one turning around, but I don't think he believed me.

 We had a bowling date with our friend Alex.  They had a great time.  Not much strategy involved, but they had fun and occasionally would knock a lot of pins down. 

Telling secrets to each other at the grocery store.  

Festivities

 H came home with this Christmas list for Santa, several requests for Pokemon room decorations, Legos, Transformers, and more!

I think he will be disappointed that we will not be decorating his room in Pokemon.

 Our Advent calendar is in full swing.  

They look forward to it, and this is the first year that I've noticed it help them understand how close or far away from Christmas we are.

 I went to check on H one night and found him fast asleep like this.  

So sweet!

 C's class colored elves and candy canes.  This was on their bulletin board.  

I was impressed with the stripes on his candy cane. 

 Trying to put the star on the tree.  So much fun to decorate with them!

I guess it was a clothing optional day...

 Getting ready for our Christmas concert.  

H's class had a snowman song, and C's were cute Christmas elves.

And its over!  The concerts are always a lot of work, but it turned out good, and now it is all done!

Snapshots

 I found this family picture on the back of one of C's worksheets from school.  

So cute!

 He is a proud new member of the signature club!

We've been working on his name, especially that little "e" at the end of his name.  

I think he's got it now!

 H's Boy Scout den had their Christmas party at Skate Town.  

So much fun!  And they are getting a little better each time 

Leonard has come to stay with us!  The animals are all getting used to each other, and Leonard is claiming several spots in the house.  Our circus of boys is getting bigger!